Respected Local Educator Tapped to Lead New Regional STEM Academy
Perry, GA · November 12, 2026
Catching the morning sunlight across the courthouse square makes it tempting to linger over a second coffee. You will want to step out early, though, with engines already rumbling over at the fairgrounds.
The Lead
The Houston County Board of Education formally appointed Dr. Sherry Johnson this week as the inaugural principal of the upcoming Houston STEM & Career Academy. Johnson has led the county's College & Career Academy since 2022, following an eleven-year tenure teaching business education at the local high school where she was named Teacher of the Year.
The specialized regional academy is being designed to dramatically broaden hands-on workforce credentials, technical certifications, and advanced engineering pathways for students across Middle Georgia. Board leaders emphasized Johnson's extensive background in Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education as the deciding factor in charting the new campus from the ground up. Johnson will now begin shaping initial industry partnerships and campus curricula ahead of district groundbreaking milestones.
Local Pulse
Perry Auto Fair Rolls Onto Midway Community Swap meet vendors, classic cars, and automotive exhibits open this morning at the fairgrounds through Saturday.
Sheriff Unveils Lobby Chair Of Honor Safety A permanent seat dedicated to missing servicemembers and prisoners of war now welcomes visitors at county headquarters.
Five City Parks Slated For Playgrounds Parks Municipal crews will install upgraded, fully accessible playground equipment across five neighborhood recreation sites by early spring.
Today's Outlook
- High 73°F · Low 51°F — Mainly clear
- A light jacket works early, but mild sunshine promises comfortable walking weather all afternoon.
What's On Around Town
Today
Georgia National Antique Agriculture Show Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter (401 Larry Walker Pkwy), 8:00 AM–5:00 PM · Free Historic tractor demos, vintage machinery, and hands-on agricultural exhibits.
Perry GA Auto Fair Carnival Midway (401 Larry Walker Pkwy), 8:00 AM–5:00 PM · $10 Classic cars, parts corrals, and swap-meet treasures for motor enthusiasts.
Whosoever South in Concert Reaves Arena (401 Larry Walker Pkwy), 7:00 PM · $22 Upbeat country hip-hop rhythms followed by fireworks over the lake.
Cranksgiving Community Bike Ride Bike Tech Macon (909 2nd St), Macon, 6:00–8:00 PM · Free Pedal downtown with canned goods to help stock regional food pantries.
Tomorrow
- Tractor Ride to Downtown Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter (401 Larry Walker Pkwy), 10:00 AM–1:30 PM · Free
- Stillwater Reunion Concert Reaves Arena (401 Larry Walker Pkwy), 7:00 PM · $42
- Kids Fun Glow Run Main Fitness Gym Track (720 Hawkinsville St), Robins AFB, 5:30–7:30 PM · Free
Saturday
- PB&J 5K Sutherland Arena (401 Larry Walker Pkwy), 8:00 AM · Paid
- Antique Tractor & Garden Pull Perdue Arena (401 Larry Walker Pkwy), 11:30 AM–6:00 PM · Free
- Unsupervised: A Sing-A-Long Brunch My Bar (1022 Ball St), 10:00 AM
Spotlight & Story
- The Perry Buzzard Drop
- What began in 2013 as a quirky utility fix to scare roosting vultures off the town water towers with decoys became an unlikely New Year's Eve tradition. Thousands now assemble on Carroll Street to cheer Bob the Buzzard's midnight descent.
Perry Daily Digest — compiled from local sources every morning. For breaking updates, follow your local newsrooms.
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